Final Score: University of Richmond- 83, Saint Bonaventure University- 80
What Happened: Richmond won another close game by sinking its free throws at the end, similar to its win two weeks ago against Xavier. This is a big win for the Spiders, as they were tied with the Bonnies for 11th place in the Atlantic-10, and only 12 teams make the conference tournament. Richmond guard Cedrick Lindsay led the way for the Spiders with 22 points, including a perfect 14-14 from the free throw line. Greg Robbins also had a big game for Richmond as he finished with 20 points on 7-8 shooting, including 4-4 from 3-point range. St. Bonaventure had lots of foul trouble, as three Bonnies fouled out of the game, and two more finished with four fouls. Richmond was able to fight to a near draw in the post with the Bonnies in the first half thanks to a big half from big man Derrick Williams, who was playing just his third game since missing nine with a leg injury. That helped the Spiders go into the half with a six-point lead. They extended that lead early in the second half, but SBU quickly got things back on track to eventually send the game into overtime, mostly due to the play of Eric Mosley (30 points) and Jordan Gathers (18 points on 7-7 shooting). In overtime, though, Richmond took control after Darien Brothers was fouled on a three-pointer and made all three free throws.
Spider Positives: Getting the win is, as always, the most important positive, and Mooney should be especially proud with this win because of its importance in the A-10 standings and because his team proved it could come out on top with its back against the wall, even when the Bonnies seemingly had all the momentum going into the overtime period. The play of Robbins and Lindsay were big positives, as was the play of freshman Terry Allen, who filled the stat sheet with 8 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals. He was also vital on defense, helping frustrate Bonnies' leading scorer Demitrius Conger, who finished with just 9 points and fouled out in overtime.
Spider Negatives: While it was encouraging to see Williams's big first half (9 pts), coach Chris Mooney couldn't find a way to get him going in the second half or overtime, as he was held scoreless the rest of the game. Williams's ineffectiveness showed in the post-related stats. After owning a 12-8 advantage in the first half and tied at 16 rebounds, Richmond was outscored, 24-8, in points in the paint and out-rebounded, 20-12, in the second half and overtime periods. Williams and the rest of the guys down low for Richmond will need to start putting together complete-game efforts for Richmond to have any chance at making a run in the A-10 tournament.
Up Next: Richmond gets a week off to rest before heading to New York to take on Fordham. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m.
Contact staff writer David Weissman at david.weissman@richmond.edu
Support independent student media
You can make a tax-deductible donation by clicking the button below, which takes you to our secure PayPal account. The page is set up to receive contributions in whatever amount you designate. We look forward to using the money we raise to further our mission of providing honest and accurate information to students, faculty, staff, alumni and others in the general public.
Donate NowRead More
Spiders close out topsy-turvy non-conference schedule with loss to FGCU
By Jimmy James | December 31, 2024